Bill McConnell, of Window Fashions in Albuquerque, has operated his business locally for over 30 years. A native of ABQ, he graduated from Manzano High School, eventually taking a job at his sister-in-law’s blinds and window treatments business. It turns out he had an affinity and a passion for this work. Bill told us, “She asked me to go to work for her and just try it and see how I liked it, and I began installing window coverings and just fell in love with seeing the before and after and things went from there and that's when my wife and I went out on our own in 1993.”
Together, they substantially increased their business over the years, including some high-end commercial work. They’ve provided window treatments for Los Alamos Labs, LAX Airport, and recently the Clyde Hotel in downtown ABQ. Bill handled the design and installation, while his wife was more involved in the business end, connecting with interior designers, builders, and homeowners to incorporate their window treatments into upcoming projects. Sadly, his wife passed away in December of 2023 and Bill continued, assuming both of their roles.
Bill truly loves the design process. He told us, “When I go into a house it's like the house speaks to me and I look at their needs, their sun issues, privacy issues, protecting furniture, protecting art... things like that. It's not always what the shades or the window coverings are going to look like but how is the homeowner going to use them, what their needs are as far as the use of the window covering for a particular space. The design must be functional to make the space more applicable to the client.”
Bill keeps most of his installations motorized, so forethought into the home’s electrical wiring is important. The company has long maintained connections with custom builders to have adequate wiring configurations at the start of construction.
His business continues to be robust, with about 90% of his work coming from referrals and repeat customers. A man of deep faith, Bill attributes his success to not only his expertise but also to Divine Gifts. He says, “My work is God-centered, and He provides for me every day.”
Bill’s other interest is the restoration of a classic American muscle car...a 1968 GTO.
You can reach Window Fashions at 505.298.7405. The website is windowfashionsnm.com.